Timer with interchangeable formula for controlling machines having series of operations



Sept 22, 1936. w B. HUT mes 2,055,031

EABLE TIMER WITH INTERCHANG MULA FOR CONTROLLING MACHINES HAVING SERIES OF OPERATIO Original File Nov NS d '7, 1930 ll Sheets-Sheet 1 MW? i %%ZZ;76ZZ:

ATTORNEY-5.

p 1935- w. B. HUTCHINGS 5, 31

TIMER WITH INTERCHANGEABLE FORMULA FOR CONTROLLING MACHINES HAVING SERIES OF OPERATIONS Original Filed Nov. 7, 1930 ll Sheets-Sheet 2 v ,1 I F F F F I ATTORNEYS Sept. 22, 1936.

w. B. HUTCHINGS 2,055,031

TIMER WITH INTERCHANGEABLE FORMULA FOR CONTROLLING MACHINES HAVING SERIES OF OPERATIONS 11 Sheets-Sheet 3 Original Filed Nov. 7, 1930 V M ATTORNEYS Sept. 22, 1936. w, s. HUTCHINGS 3 ,5

TIMER WITH INTERCHANGEABLE FORMULA FOR CONTROLLING MACHINES HAVING SERIES OF OPERATIONS Original Filed Nov. 7, 1930 11 Sheets-Sheet 4 III/l] I ATTORNEY5.

Sept. 22, 1936.. w. B. H CHINGS 2,055,031

TIMER WITH INTERCHANGEAB FORMULA FOR CONTROLLING MACHINES HAVI SERIES OF OPERATIONS Original led Nov. '7, 1930 ll Sheets-Sheet 5 ATTORN EYJ Sept. 22, 1936. w. B. HUTCHINGS 2,055,031

TIMER WITH INTERCHANGEABLE FORMULA FOR- CONTROLLING MACHINES HAVING SERIES OF OPERATIONS OriginalFiled Nov. '7, 1930 ll Sheets-Sheet 6 ATTO RN EY5 Sept. 22, 1936. w. B. HUTCHINGS 1 TIMER WITH INT'ERCHANGEABLE FORMULA FOR CONTROLLING MACHINES HAVING SERIES OF OPERATIONS Original Filed Nov. '7, 1930 ll Sheets-Sheet '7 L6 g5? l I m fradi ATTORN EY6 v Sept. 22, 1936. w B HUTcHlNGs 2,055,031

TIMER WITH INTERCHANGEABLE FORMULA FOR CONTROLLING MACHINES HAVING SERIES OF OPERATIONS Original Filed Nov. 7, 1930 ll Sheets-Sheet 8 l 11:23 WWW i. T N

f f p.

ATTORNEY-5.

Sept. 22, 1936. w. B. HUTCHINGS 2,055,031

TIMER WITH INTERCHANGEABLE FORMULA FOR CONTROLLING MACHINES HAVING SERIES OF OPERATIONS Original Filed Nov. 7, 1950 ll Sheets-Sheet 9 INVENTORI ATTORNEYS.

w. B. HUTCHINGS 2,055,,Q31 TIMER WITH' INTERCHANGEABLE FORMULA FOR CONTROLLING MACHINES HAVING SERIES OF OPERATIONS Original Filed Nov. 7, 1930 ll Sheets-Sheet 10 INVENTO W *7 ATTORNEY-5 Sept. 22, 1936. w. B. HUTCHINGS 2,955,031 TIMER WITH INTERCHANGEABLE FORMULA FOR CONTROLLING MACHINES HAVING SERIES OF, OPERATIONS Original Filed NOV. '7, 1930 ll Sheets-Sheet ll {I01 23" [H 30 p 1; I jl/i/"l/ ATTORNEYJ.

Patented Sept. 22, 1936 PATENT OFFICE TIMER; WITH INTERCHANGEABLE FORMU- LA FOR CONTROLLING MACHXNES HAV- ING SERIES OF OPERATIONS Walter B. Hutohings. Huron, S. Dak., assignor to The Prosperity Company, Inc., Syracuse, N. Y., a corporation of New York Application November 7, 1930, Serial No. 494,176 Renewed July 3, 1935 8 Claims.

This invention relates to timers for automatically timing and controlling the operation of the control parts of machines having a series of operations, as ior instance, washing apparatus, such as are used in commercial laundries, and has for its object, a timer mechanism utilizing a removable formula sheet placeable in the timer to form an element thereof to operate, or control the operation or control parts at timed intervals, and means by which the laundryman can lay out or prepare a formula sheet from a blank formula sheet interchangeable in the timer with a prepared sheet.

It also has for its object, a particularly simple and efilcient timer mechanism in which a sheet constitutes the controlling element 01 the timer,

' and in which one sheet is readily substituted for another when it is desired to change the operating or washing formula.

Qther objects will appear throughout the spec ification.

The invention consists in the novel features and in the combinations and constructions hereinaiter set forth and claimed.

In describing this invention, reference is had to the accompanying drawings, in which like characters designate corresponding parts in all the views.

Figure l is a perspective view of a unitary structure embodying this timer, and associated parts.

Figure 2 is a diagrammatic view of the timer, some of the valves of the washer and the mecha= nism operated by the timer to control the valves, the timer being shown partly in section.

Figure 3 is a fragmentary, sectional view on line 9-3, Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a plan view of one of the formula sheets. a

Figure 5 is a detail, sectional view of one of the valves of the washer, and the actuating means therefor.

Figure 6 is a detail view oi one of the solenoid operated valves operated by the timer.

- Figure 7 is a view, somewhat similar to Figure 2, of another form. or this timer, in which the contact arm revolves'instead oi the turntable as in Figure 2. i Figure 8 is a plan view, partly broken away, oi parts seen in Figure '7.

Figure 9 is a sectional view on line 9-9, Figure '7. s

Figure 10 is a view similar to Figures 2 and 7,

01 a third form of timer in which the sheet is rotated by the motor, and the contacts and the table element are stationary.

Figure 11 is a plan view of parts seen in Figure Figure 12 is a sectional view on line i2-i2, Figure 11.

Figure 13 is a view, similar to Figure 2, of a fourth form of timer, in which the timer controls a power medium as air to operate the valves, in-

stead of an electric current.

Figure 14 is an enlarged, fragmentary, sectional view on line M-id, Figure 13.

Figure 15 is a view, similar to Figure 2, of a fifth form of timer, wherein the formula sheet acts to mechanically operate valves operated by the contact members 01 the timer, which valves operate mechanism to control the flow of a power, as air, to the operating mechanism of the washer valves.

Figure 16 is an enlarged, sectional view on line iii-4t, Figure 15.

Figure 1'? is a view of a timer, similar to that shown in Figure 2, showing means for indicating on a blank timer sheet, the positions and extent of the perforations when the valves of the washer are operated by means of manually operated push buttons correlated or paired with the contact fingers of the timer.

Figure 18 shows a conventional type of washer and timer cabinet in perspective, the instruments operated by the timer being mounted on, or self contained with, the washer, or the valves thereof.

Figure 19 is a detail, sectional view of the operating instruments for the valves shown in Figure 18.

Figure 20 is a view, similar to Figure 18, where the operating instruments are located for themost part, in the timer cabinet.

Figure 21, Sheet 7, is an enlarged, sectional view of the by-pass valve of the timer shown in Figure 15.

Figure 22 is a view similar to Figures 2 and 17, illustrating means for controlling the cycle of operations of the machine independently of the timer by manuals remote from the timer, or adjacent the machine, and also means similar to that shown-in Figure 21 for marking on the blank formula sheet in the timer, or making on the blank timer sheet a graph of the cycle of operation.

Although I have shown the invention as controlling the cycle of operations of a laundry washing machine, it is capable of. use in other situations, although it is particularly adapted to laundry washing and dry cleaning machines. As is well understood, the loads to be washed in commercial laundries are classified. Diilerent laundrymen use slightly diflerent classifications,

and the personal element always enters into the makin ofthe classifications, and into the timing 'and e tent of the washing operations, and the use of the fluids, chemicals, and other agents used during the series of operations.

The loads may beclassified as follows:

1. White load.

2. Medium color load.

3. Underwear load.

4. Dark color load.

5- Socks.

6. Silks.

Some laundrymen may classify together the white load and the medium color load. The dark colored load and socks may be classified together. Variations in the classifications are within the choice of the laundryman.

The different loads require different washing formulas. Also, a load, for instance of 150 pounds, requires a different formula than a load of the same class weighing 200 pounds, and the character of the formula in each instance depends upon the Judgment of the laundryman, or the washroom foreman, and each load regardless of its character requires, for obtaining the best results, a slightly modified formula from others of different weight. Although the weights of the loads can be standardized and hence, standard formulas used. nevertheless, there are always exceptions to the standard rule to be adapted to automatic formula control. These exceptions can, within limits, be standardized or classified.

Timers have been used to time the washing operations, but the timers are more or less fixed, or inelastic, and do not permit very much adjustability to vary the washing operations, and such adiustability as has been provided involves expensive and complicated timers, which are not entirely suitable to the conditions existing within commercial laundries, because conditions are constantly changing within the same laundry, and conditions in different laundries are not the same. The personal element is always present. Systems requiring adjustable cams, or the substitution of one timer for another, are not only too expensive to be practical, but are also not flexible enough to conform to the conditions existing in laundries. None of them permits complete flexibility, or permits the laundryman making his own formula to suit the conditions. All of them disregard the personal element.

An illustrative example of a washing process for a white load, say of 200 pounds, is as follows:

After the load is placed in the washing ma-= chine, a valve of the washer is opened to permit water to enter the washing machine, the valve being closed after the required amount of water for that load has passed into the washer. The load is then subjected to about a five minute breaking process, that is, a rinsing or soaking process. Then, washing soda is added to the water, or the water may be dumped by opening an outlet valve and again closing it when the water is drained out, and another valve or valves opened to admit water and washing soda. After a predetermined period, say five minutes, the dumping or drain valve is opened, and the machine emptied of the water and soda, and a valve opened admitting water at about 150 F., or a little warmer than luke-warm, and soap added to produce suds, and the machine continues to operate for about ten minutes, then the dumping valve is again opened, until the washing fluid has drained out, and the water valve opened to admit warm water and soap, and the machine operated for another ten minutes during this second suds operation.

The water is then drained out by opening the drain valve, and the clothes subjected to another sudsing operation with hotter water up to 200, and during this operation, a bleaching agent may be added. The machine is then again drained, and the clothes rinsed in hot water for about five minutes. The machine is again drained, and then the clothes subjected to additional three, four or five rinsing operations. The last rinsing operation being cold water. Also, bluing may be added during one or more of the rinsing operations, and a sour added during the last rinse. After each rinsing operation, the machine is drained. The bluing is usually added with a lukewarm water, or cold water rinse.

The above operation is merely illustrative, and different classifications require different procesass, and also loads of different weight and degree of soiling of the same classification require different processes.

The washing machine may be of any of the well known types including the usual drain valve or valves, water intake valve, or valves, and valves which control the flow of the soap, alkali, and other agents used during the washing process. I'he machine has provision for starting and stopping, and for reversing to agitate and tumble the clothes. It is usually in constant operation however, except when the clothes are being loaded, and removed from the machine.

This invention comprises a timer mechanism for controlling the opening and closing at timed intervals, of the various valves, and-other control parts of a machine having a series of operations, said timer mechanism including a formula sheet which can be made up by the attendant, and when once made, can be used in the timer as a control element thereof, as standard for all other similar loads, or operations, and also, means by which a blank formula sheet can be laid out by the attendant, for loads or operations, that do not come under a general classification, or means for controlling the operations independently of the timer, but with the timer in operation with a blank formula sheet thereon, so that while the load is being operated on, the blank formula sheet can be laid out to be used in the timer when another similar load is to be treated. Thus, the laundryman will accumulate standard formula sheets which he can select and place in the timer to work on almost any classification, and when an odd classification does come in, he can make the formula while the classification is bef The invention comprises primarily, a formula M sheet provided with means which coact with other elements of the timer to automatically control the opening and closing of the various control valves, or the operation of other control parts, of the washer at predetermined intervals, and in addition, manual means correlated with the timer to operate the control parts or the valves independently of the timer, and while the timer is in operation, so that the position and extent of the control means of a blank formula sheet in the timer can be located, or laid out, the blank sheets being interchangeable in the timer with the prepared formula sheets.

More specifically, the timer mechanism comelement consisting of a sheet having a plurality of means, inmost instances and preferably, a plurality of rows of perforations, one of said opposing elements consisting of a plurality of members, one member for each control valve or part of the washer, the opposing elements being connected respectively in branches of a power line having instruments connected therein operable by the power medium passing through said line, there being one of such instruments for each of said members, and there being a row of perforations for each of said members. In most cases, the full portion of the sheet between the perforations normally prevents the flow of an energizing medium from one of the opposing elements to the other, and hence, to the instruments in the power line which operate, or control the operation of, the valves, or control parts of the washer, and the perforations permit the flow of the power medium from one of the opposing elements to the other, or from the members or branches of one opposing element to the other opposing element, whereby said instruments are operated, and the corresponding control part or parts, as a valve or valves operable or opened and held operated or open as long are the perforations are in register with the respective members, and means for eifecting relative movement of said elements to bring said perforations and said opposing elements into registration at predetermined intervals. As will be seen later, the full portions may effect the flow of power, and the slots or perforations prevent the flow of power.

Also, a feature of the invention is the control of a fluid under pressure for operating the control devices or valves of the washer or apparatus,

shunting the power medium around the intermediate element or formula sheet, so that the various control valves or parts can be operated individually and independently of the timer.

Thus, with a blank formula sheet on the timer, the attendant can operate the valves, or control parts, of the machine, While the timer is in operation, and by marking on the blank sheet on the timer, the position of the member as a contact finger M of the timer when he operates the corresponding manually operable member or push button ms, and also by marking on the sheet the position of the timer member when he releases the corresponding manually operated member )3, will locate the position and also the size or length of the perforation to be cut in the sheet, thus, preparing a formula sheet for repeating the same operations automatically in the future. Or, as will be shown later, the position and extent of the perforations may be automatically laid out while the attendant is operating the washer valves, or parts, by means of manuals correlated with the contact members of the timer.

Preferably, the energy is an electric current, and the opposing elements of the timer are respectively, a terminal, and contacts in an electric circuit, there being usually a plurality of contacts, one for each valve, orlcontrol part, to be operated, and the intermediate element or sheet, is of paper, or other suitable insulating material, and normally holds the contacts from engaging the terminal, and the perforations permit the contacts one by one to temporarily coact with the terminal, and close an electric circuit having an electro-responsive device therein which controls the actuation or opening and closing of one control part or valve of the washer, there being one contact, one branch circuit, and one electro-responsive device for each valve, or other control part, of the washer.

The relative movement of the elements of the timer may be effected in any suitable manner, and in the embodiment of my invention shown in Figures 1 and 2, the terminal member is movable and supports the formula sheet, and the contact members are stationary, and also preferably, the relative movement is a rotary one, and the terminal element is a disk, or turntable moving about an axis. The formula sheet is also discoidal and fixed over the face of the turntable.

In Figures 1, 2 and 3; ii designates the terminal element of the timer, which is preferably a turntable, or is discoidal in general form and mounted upon a rotatable spindle i2.

i3 designates generally, the contact element, Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4, this having a plurality of contacts 14 thereon suitably insulated from each other, and i6 designates a formula sheet which is secured in any suitable manner on the face of the disk, or turntable H, as by a clamping washer i! mounted on the end of the spindle i2, and clamped against the face of the formula sheet it, as by a nut H3. The contacts are insulated from each other, owing to the fact that their support i3 is of insulating material.

i9 designates two of the valves of the washer, although it will be understood that there may be several valves, or control parts, including the dump or drain. valve, hot and cold water valves, and in some instances, these valves may be for different degrees of hot water, and valves, or their equivalents, which control the flow of soap, alkali, and other agents used. Some of the control parts are in some cases, belt shifters, or start and stop devices which control the motor means which actuates the movable parts of the washer, or machine. It will be understood that there is preferably, a contact member id for each valve, and other control part, and that the valves, or other control parts, may be of any suitable form, size and construction.

The turntable is actuated by any timed movement. It is here shown as actuated by an electric motor located within a suitable housing 22, and a reduction gearing located in a housing 23 between the motor and the spindle 52. It will be understood that an electric motor will run fairly steady, and with the current adjusted, will run practically as accurate as a clock movement, without the use of a .clock movement. The motor may be of any suitable type, as for example, an adjustable synchronous induction disk motor.

In the embodiment of my invention shown in Figure 2, the valves I 9 of the washer are actuated or opened by a fluid under pressure, as oil, and are closed by springs, and the flow of motive fluid to the valve operating means is controlled by electro-responsive devices, as electro-magnets 24, and the energization of, or the flow of the current to the coils of these magnets controlled by the formula sheet IS. The terminal element, or turntable I l, as here shown (Figure 2) is connected by a wire 21 to a feed wire 35, the wire 21 bering electrically connected to the spindle I2,

- chamber,

through the housings 22, 23, or in any suitable T manner, and each of the contact members i4 is connected by a wire 23 to a wire 30, which is connected to one end of the coils of the corresponding magnet 24, the other end of the coils being connected by a wire 3i, to a wire 32, which is connected to an electric motor 33, the purpose of which will be presently described, and from the motor through a wire 34 to the other feed line 23.

Each electro-magnet 35 is a solenoid, and the core 23 thereof operates a valve 33 in a pipe line 31 for a hydraulic 'fiuid or fluid under pressure, the valve 33 beingnormally. closed. When the solenoid 24 is energized, the valve 33 is opened, permitting the fluid under pressure to flow past the open valve 36, through a pipe 38, to a pressure as a cylinder 39 having an element therein, as a piston M.

a 46 to a supply 41 ofhydraulic fluid.

The piston 4|, as shown, is stationary, and the cylinder 39 movable and connected to a stem 52, the inner end of which is formed with a valve head 26. The cylinder 39 is actuated to open the valve i9 against the action of returning springs '49.

Thus. the springs act against the pressure and prevent hammering of the valve when it closes. The valve i9 is' connected by suitable pipes 43,

44 to a supply of water, or any other agent used in the washing process, or the valve I9 may be the drain valve of the washer. The fluid supply pipe 37. is connected to the outlet end of a pump 45, the inlet end of which is connected by a pipe The rotor of the pump is actuated from the motor' 33, through suitable motion transmitting connections, designated generally 48. A return pipe and header 40 for all cylinders 39 is provided. This is provided with a restricted portion 400 in order to cause the pressure to build up in the cylinder 39 when the corresponding solenoid valve 33 is opened.

The provision or means on the formula sheet for operating the contacts is preferably rows of perforations 20, one row for each contact, the perforations of each row being spaced apart, and the full portions of the sheetnormally holding the contacts out of engagement with the ter minal Ii, .and the perforations permitting them to engage through the perforations. forations determine the timing and the extent of time the corresponding valves,or control parts, are operated, and the full portions between the perforations indicate the period of a particular operation. In washing machines, this may be ten minutes for a sudsing operation, or five minutes for a rinsing operation, or five minutes for a bluing operation etc. These time elements all vary in different formulas, and the extent and location of the perforations differ in difierent formulas.

In operation, when a contact 16 comes in register with one of the perforations 20 of the formula sheet so that the contact is free to engage the terminal member ii, obviously the current will pass from the feed line 35, through the terminal member ll, contact i4, wires 29 and 30, to the corresponding solenoid 24, thus opening the valve 36, and the current will pass from the solenoid,

The percorresponding cylinder 39 of the washer control part or valve, opening the valve 23 against the action of the returning springs 49, thus permitting the fluid controlled by the washer valve," that is operated, to flow into the washer while the con- 1 tact member M is in register with the perforation in the formula sheet, or in the event, it is the drain valve that is opened, the drain valve will remain open as long as the contact is in register with the perforation. Preferably, the timer and all the parts operated thereby, with the exception of the valves of the washer, which are adjacent the washer, are located in a suitable cabinet Bl, the timer mechanism including the turntable I l, formula sheet, contact members it being located in the upper portion of the cabinet where they are accessible by opening a door 32 in the top of the cabinet.

The solenoids and valves operated thereby, the motor 33, pump 45, and the piping from the pump to the various valves 36, operated by the solenoids, are located in the lower portion of the cabinet, and accessible through a door 53. Thus, the entire timer mechanism and associated parts are a unitary structure which can be applied to ment 6i corresponding to the terminal element H, and the formula sheet 32 may be stationary, and the contacts 63, corresponding to the contacts M. may be movable relatively to the formula sheet, these contacts being shown as carried by an element or arm having a spindle 66 which is actuated by the motor in the housing 61 corresponding to the motor housing 22,

, through suitable reduction gearing located within the casing 68.

.In Figure 7, the terminal element 6! consists of a plurality of conductor rings insulated from each other, one ring for each washer valve, or control part, and for each contact member 63, and the contacts 63 are not insulated from each other. When a contact 63 makes contact through a perforation of the formula sheet 62, with the underlying ring it, the current passes from the feed line 35, wire 21, housings 6F, 33, spindle 33, contact arm 65, the contact 63 in line with a perforation, underlying ring 13, thence, to the solenoid and pump motor, as in Figure 2.

Or, as seen in Figures 10, 11 and 12, both of the opposing elements it, 12 corresponding to the elements ii and i3, may be stationary, and the formula sheet 13 movable relatively to both the elements ll, 12, the formula sheet being shown as mounted on a rotatable spindle it which is actuated by a motor in housing corresponding to the motor housing 22. As the formula sheet 13 is rotated by the motor, the perforations of the rows are brought into alinement with the contact members or fingers 76 permitting the fingers to engage the terminal element H, Figure 12; The current then passes from feed wire 33,

, wire 21, post I8, terminal element or disk 1!, con- "In any form of my invention, each formula sheet, is detachable and interchangeable with other formula sheets.

One of the features of this invention, and a feature which is of great importance to the laundryman, is means by which laundrymen can lay out on a blank formula sheet, a new formula to fit a new job, which blank formula sheet is interchangeable in the timer with prepared formula sheets. This means comprises a provision whereby various valves and control parts of the washer can be operated individually and independently of the timer while the timer is in operation, and comprises means for permitting a motive fluid to flow to the washer valve operating means, or other control parts, inde pendently of the timer, and manually operable membersfor controlling the flow of the motive fluid. This means includes preferably by-passes around the blank formula sheet.

In electrically operated machines, these bypasses are shunt electric circuits cutting out the contacts I4, and the terminal member II, and the manually operable members are switches in the shunt circuits.

Il'II is illustrative of the switches, there being one switch for each contact member I 4, and each control valve, or control part of the washer and hence, for each solenoid 24. The switches are shown as operated by manuals, as push buttons I 03. One side of each switch IIll is connected to the wire 30 of the corresponding solenoid. The other terminal of each switch is connected by a wire I to the feed line 35. These switches are preferably mounted in the cabinet ill, with the push buttons exposed in the top of the cabinet near the turntable II. Obviously, when the push button corresponding to any one contact member it is depressed, the current will be shunted around the formula sheet which insulates the-opposing elements of the timer from each other, so that the washer valve, or control part, corresponding to the push button depressed, will be operated. For instance, depressing of the push button H33 will close the switch iiil, so that the solenoid 2 3 will be operated, and hence, the valve 36 opened and the vinotor 33 started, permitting oil to flow to the cylinder 39 of the corresponding valve 99 of the washer.

Assume that a laundryman has no formula sheet for a load in the washer, and wants ,to prepare one, it being understood that the laundryman, or the wash-room foreman, or some other person, determines from the character of the load, the washing formula required, and that in making the formula he has to exercise his judgment and keep fairly close watch of the washing operations. Therefore, in order to prepare a formula for this new, or odd load, which formula can be used in the future for similar loads, the laundryman places a blank formula sheet in the timer. New for instance, suppose that the first contact member controls a water valve for the soaking or breaking operation. The operator first makes a mark at the end of the contact member I4 on the formula sheet. He then depresses the button I03 corresponding to the terminal I4, and holds it down until in his judgment, there is a proper amount of water in the washer. During this time, the turntable and blank formula sheet have been turning. He then makes another mark on the blank formula sheet at the end of the terminal Id. The distance between these two marks indicates the size, or length, of the hole or slot, to be cut out in pre-.

paring the formula sheet to hold open the valve the same length of time in the future when the same washing operation is being performed automatically with the formula sheet now being prepared. The breaking process then goes on as long as the laundryman desires, and thenanother perforation is marked out in the same way for operating another valve. This valve in the washing operation is the dump valve of a washing machine. It will be understood that all washing machines have a conventional dump valve. In the same way, the positions and extent of the perforations in the other rows for perforations are marked out from the corresponding contact members I4. Thus, at the end of the washing operation controlled by depressing the buttons I0 I, a complete formula sheet will be laid out for future use, it being only necessary for the laundryman to cut out slots between the marks he has placed on the blank formula sheet.

It will be understood that conditions in different laundries vary, and a set of formula sheets for one laundry would be undesirable in another laundry, or a set of formula sheets for one washer would not be adaptable for another washer, due to natural variations in the operation of the washers. Also, there are other elements, such as temperature of the water, character of the soap,

and the chemicals etc., all of which must be taken into consideration by the laundryman,and their use subject to the judgment of the laundryman. Thus, any one laundryman can prepare formulas that are standardto hisparticular conditions and scheme of business. That is, the weights of the loads etc., can be to a certain extent standardized,and each laundry owner would standardize his loads as near as possible to suit the conditions in his laundry. Whenever an odd load comes in requiring a new formula, the laundryman can make a new formula sheet, and have this for future use. Eventually, the laundryman will accumulate formulas which will fit nearly all the conditions arising in his laundry but at the same time, when it is necessary to wash an odd load independently of. "the timer, he can do so by means of the buttons mi and can also, if he desires. prepare a formula'sheet for the odd load for future use. As will be hereinafter described, means may be employed for automatically indicating the location and length of the perforations on the blank formula sheet while the attendant is holding down the buttons Hi3.

Instead of utilizing an electric current as the power, air may be used as seen in Figure 13, wherein I122 is the element consisting of branches or members, one for each valve, or control part, to be operated, and 823 is a perforated formula sheet element opposed to the branches, it having a row of perforations, or slots for each of the members or branches of the element I22. The relative movement of the elements is efiecteu preferably by moving the formula sheet as in Figure 2. The branches of the element I22 are pipes which communicate with a pipe IZI in which suction is created by any suitable exhausting means. The full portions of the formula sheet normally close the branches or passages of the element I22, and are held against the branches to close them by the suction. When a perforation comes in line with one of said passages, obviously, the air will be drawn through that perf ration and that passage, and cause the operating means for the corresponding valve, or control part, of the washer to be actuated. The valve,

tions of the sheet.

or control part operating means here illustrated, is as follows: I

The formula sheet may be supported by a support I23 in the form of a wheel or spindle, or formed open, or with holes I23 so as not to interfere with the flow of air through the perforapipe I20 connected to asource of compressed air.

I26, I21 are a normally closed intake valve, and

' a normally open exhaust valve respectively. The

valves are connected by a stem I28 so that they act as a unit, or as a two-way valve, and are pressed to their normal position by a spring I29. The casing is connected to the cylinder I26 by a combined intake and exhaust pipe I30. The valves may be operated, the intake to open position, and the exhaust to closed position by suitable mechanisms, as by a spring I3I acting on one end of a rocker arm I32, the other end of which acts on a stem I33 of. the exhaust valve I2'I. The spring I si is stronger than the spring I29.

The rocker arm I32 is normally held from ac-- tuation by the spring I8I, by the action of the vacuum created in the pipe I2I, and each branch I22, as follows:

Each branch I22 is connected to a diaphragm chamber I34, having a diaphragm I25 therein connected to a sliding rod I 36 pivoted at I87 to the rocker arm I32. While a full portion of the formula sheet is closing the end of any pipe.i22, the air will be exhausted from the vacuum side of the diaphragm chamber I34, and thus hold the rocker arm I32 from actuation by the spring'iti, and permit the spring I29 to hold the intake valve I26closed, and the exhaust valve I2? open. When however, a perforation or slot of. the formula sheet I23 registers with one of the pipes I22 of the timer, the vacuum in the corresponding diaphragm chamber will be broken, the spring ISI free to react and close the exhaust valve I21 and open the intake I26, thus permitting air to flow from the pipe I29, through the valve casing I25, pipe ass, to the cylinder I24, and operate the washer valve, or control part. The air passes through holes I23 in the support or tum-table I25 and thence through the perforation in the formula sheet and the corresponding'pipe I22 in register with that perforation. The vacuum in the diaphragm chamber will be broken because the pipe I22 is of greater capacity than the pipe H9 connecting the pipe I22 to the vacuum pipe or chamber I2I. Thus, the air can not flow through the pipe MS as fast as it comes through the pipe I22 and some of the air enters the diaphragm chamber I36 to break the vacuum therein. When the perforation of the formula sheet passes out of register with the pipe or member I22, the vacuum will be restored in the diaphragm chamber I34, causing the rocker arm I32 to be restored against the action of the spring I3! and the spring I29 is free to react to close the intake valve I26 and open the exhaust I27. Hence, the air can exhaust from the cylinder I24, through the pipe I30, valve casing I25, out through port I39. It will be understood that there is a pipe I22, valve casing I25, and row of perforations in the formula sheet for each washer valve, or control part.

In order that the laundryman may lay out a blank formula sheet, normally closed, spring pressed valves I40 are provided to open branch pipes III connected in each of the branches I22.

aosaosr These are opened by manuals, as push buttons I42 correlated'or paired with the pipes or members I22. There is one valve I40, one push button I22 for each washer valve, or control I26. The valves I40 thus open by-passes around, the blank record sheet. which lay-passes are normally closed by the valve I448. The formula sheet can be laid out on a blank sheet in a. manner similar to that described in connection with the switches IBI, and push buttons I02, Figure 2.

In Figure 15, another embodiment of my invention is shown, in which the formula sheet IEI acts to mechanically operate controls which cause a motive fluid, as compressed air, to operate the control parts, as valves .of the ma"- chine.

IE2 is a carrier or element, preferably a turntable operated by a synchronous motor or timed movement, as in Figure 2. I52 are contact members corresponding to the members It, Figure 2, one for each control part of the machine, these having hubs rotatably mounted on a hollow element or'pipe I55, and arms I66 provided with followers or rollers I M movable over the formulasheet, and into the perforations therein as the sheet advances and the perforations or slotsregister therewith. The hub of each'member I68 has a port I67 connected by a pipe I58 to.

means which control the flow of motive'fiuid'to the diaphragm chamber I I6, operating means for the companion valve or control part The f carrier or pipe its is formed with a port ItI, one

for each member IE2. The ports IE? and Isl are normally out of alinement when the followers I62 are riding on the full portions of the formula sheet between the perforations. When the follower I66 drops into a perforation, the port It? of the corresponding member I62 moves into alinement with the companion port ItI of sheet. The arms I66 are urged against the formula sheet and into the perforations by springs I52, one spring for eacharm.

The carrier IE2 is also formed with a duct I62 extending lengthwise thereof, and with ports I65 and I66 opening into the opposite ends of each duct. The hub of each member IE3 is also formed with a port It? normally alined with the port. I86. The port It? in the member IE3 is normally alined with the port I66. Owing to the duct I64, and the ports I65, I66 and I87, the air is normally free to'exhaust from the pipes I 58, and when the roller or follower I56 moves into a slot or perforation of the formula sheet, the port IB'I moves out of alinement with the port I86 and hence, the duct I64 is closed against the outlet of air. Also, the port I51 moves out of alinement with the port I65, and into alinement with the port I GI For convenience, in forming aosaoar exhaust valve I13 in each casing, these being connected together by a stem, so that they act as a unit, or as a two-way valve, a diaphragm" chamber I'Id having a diaphragm I16 therein, the pressure side of which is connected to one ,of the pipes I60, and motion transmitting means between the diaphragm and the valves I'I2, I10. The intake end of the casing III is connected to a supply pipe I16 for a motive fluid, as compressed air, and the casing is connected by a combined intake and exhaust pipe Ill to the cylinder I50 of the compiinion washer valve, or control part mechanism, the mechanism being a practically the same as in Figure 2. The motion of the diaphragm is transmitted through a sliding stem M0 to one end of a rocker arm IOI, the other end of which thrusts against the stem of the exhaust valve I13. When a follower or member I55 enters a perforation of the formulasheet, the port It! alines with the port 90!, so that air ilows from the carrier or pipe WI, through said alined ports, and the corresponding pipe I58, to the-diaphragm chamber operating the diaphragm therein to close the corresponding exhaust valve lit, and open the intake valve I12, so that motive fluid, or air will flow from the pipe I10, through the valve casing I'li, and pipe III, to the companion cylinder I60, and operate the valve, or other control part.

' The valves in the casing III are in effect relay valves, and may be omitted by connecting the pipes I58 directly to the cylinders I60.

When the follower I58 rides out of the slot, or perforation of the formula sheet, the air will exhaust from the diaphragm chamber, back through the pipe I58, through the duct its, and out through the alined ports I66. and I07, permitting the valves I12 and I73 to return under the influence of their common spring, to their normal positions, so thatthe air from the corresponding cylinder I 59 is free to exhaust back through the pipe Ill, valve casing III, and out through the exhaust port I9I, controlled by the valve I13, and also permitting the washer valve, or other control part, to return to its normal or closed position under the influence of the returning springs connected to the cylinder I59, these being similar to the springs 40, Figure 2. Each pipe I58 has a valve casing I92 therein, and this valve and its purpose will now be described.

In order to make a formula sheet from a blank sheet, there is a cut-out passage, or by-pass for each terminal or contact member I53, and each valve, or other control part of the machine being operated, and the valve casings I92 form part of these by-passes. In addition, these by-passes include a header 200 connected to a suitable source of'supply of motive fluid, it being here shown as connected to the feed pipe of the hollow carrier I50. 20I are branches leading from the header to the casings I92 respectively. Each of the casings I92 has a normally closed, spring pressed intake valve head 202, and a normally open exhaust valve 203, these being connected by a stem, so that they act as a two-way valve. or as a unit. The section I58 of the pipe I510, which section leads from the companion member I53, opens 'into the casing I92 adjacent the exhaust valve, and the other section I68 of the pipe I50, which leads to the diaphragm-chamber I'M, leads from the valve casing I92 between the valves 202, 203. The valves 202 and 203 are operated by suitable manuals, as push buttons 204, which thrust against the stem of the exhaust valve 203. It will be-understood that there is one valve casing I92, and one push button for each washer control part, and each member I63.

Normally, when a prepared formula sheet is on the timer, the air passing through the pipes I from the carrier I54, passes into the valve casing I92, through pipe 30 and out through pipe I68, to the diaphragm chamber, and also, the air exhausts from the diaphragm chamber in the reverse order. When however, a blank formula sheet is to be laid out, the selected button 205 is depressed, and the air passes from the header 200, through the corresponding branch pipe 20I, into the valve casing I02, past the now open intake valve 202, and out through the pipe section I50 to the diaphragm chamber lid to operate the valves of the relay valve casing III, and the exhaust port 203 being closed, the air can not pass out through the pipe I50. When the button 20s is released, obviously, the air will exhaust from the diaphragm chamber back through the pipe I58", valve casing I92, pipe I58, and out through the ports I57, I65, duct I60, and ports I66, I01.

By indicating on the blank sheet the position of the follower I56 of the contact member I53 corresponding to the push button 200 depressed when the push button is depressed, and when released, the length of the slot to be cut in the prepared formula sheet is determined. I

Reference has been previously made herein to means for automatically marking the length of the slot or perforation while a push button is being held depressed. This automatic marking means will now be described. This primarily involves the bringing of a marker into play when the push button or equivalent manual is operated. In Figure 17, one form of marker is shown in connection with the form of the invention shown in Figure 2. In Figure 17, the same reference numerals are used insofar as applicable, as in Figure 2.

The marking is controlled by the manuals or push buttons I03, that is, the depression of any .one push button I03 causes the corresponding marker to operate, and the release of the push button causes the marker to cease to act. The push buttons and their switches, it will be understood, have ordinary means to return them when released,' to normal position. Preferably, the contact members I4 are used as markers or styli, rather'than employ connections between the push buttons and additional pencils or markers. The contact members I4 are utilized to act as markers by cutting them into a high tension circuit-to cause them to perforate a line or slit in the blank formula sheet when the corresponding push buttons are depressed. These slots or perforations so indicated, can afterwards be cut out the proper width and the length of the perforated line or slit. With a prepared'formula sheet in the timer. the operation is for the most part as in Figure 2, that is, the current passes from the feed wire 35, through wire 21, housings 22, 23, spindle I2, turntable II, any contact is in a perforation, wire 29, to a change over switch 2II which normally engages with a contact 2I2, thence through wire 2I3, leading to the corresponding magnet 24.

vWhen a blank formula sheet is in the timer,

and the attendant performs the washing opera- III) contact member it, and each solenoid 26 or washer valve E9, or control part. All of the change over switches are operated by a member or cross head 2i5 common to all of them.

With the change over switches 2 in the position shown in Figure 17, in contact with the terminals 2H3, the current will pass, upon depression of a push button 103, from one side of the feed line, say from wire 26, through wire m5, through switch iili, wire 30, solenoid 28, wires 3|, 32 to motor 33-, wire 32, to the other feed wire 28. The primary winding 2H6 of an induction step-up transformer T is-connected in the feed line between the feed wire 35 and the feed wire 28. The secondary circuit of the transformer is as follows, from secondary coil 2H, to feed wire 3'5, and at its other end, by a wire M8, to a switch member 2i9 paired with each switch wt, and operated by the same push button. When the switch member is closed, the current passes therethrough to wire 22 I, through change over switch 2M, wire 29,-to the correlated contact it, thence the current jumps through the blank formula sheet to turntable it, through wire 2?, and back to feed wire 35, The secondary high voltage circuit may be completed in any other suitable manner.

The transformer produces a high tension current sufilcient to cause the current to jump from the contact it, through the blank formula sheet to the terminal element, or turntable M, then back to the feed line 35, through spindle i2, housings 23, 22, and wire 27.

The Jumping of the current at the end of the contact member M cuts or marks on the blank formula sheet, a line or slit which indicates the length of the slot or perforation to be cut out to complete a prepared formula sheet for future use. Before the marked blank formula sheet is removed from the timer, or before a prepared formula sheet is placed in the timer, the change over switch 288 should be reversed, or reset, so that they are in contact with the terminals 2|2.

In Figure 18, a timer is shown as connected to operating means for the washer valves where the timer only is located in the cabinet, one form of conventional laundry washer being shown, and but two valves being shown.

230 designates the washer, and 289 the timer cabinet.

The valves are of the construction shown in Figure 5, but are operated by air pressure.

The flow of air is controlled by valves in a casing 232 mounted on each cylinder 233 corresponding to cylinder 39 (Figure 5) of each,wash-.

er valve.

This valve casing 232 contains a two-way valve of any suitable construction, that here shown consisting of valve heads 282, 235 connected by a stem so that they act as a unit. The valve head 234 is a normally closed, spring pressed intake valve, and the head 235 a normally open exhaust valve. They are operated by electro-magnets 236 having an armature 231 connected to the stem of the exhaust valve head. The energization of the magnets is controlled by the timer located in the cabinet 23L through wires 238 leading from the cabinet to the magnets through conduits 239. The intake end of the valve casing 232 is connected to a source of supply of motive fluid, as air, through a pipe 2, and the casing 232 is connected to the cylinder 233, through a combined intake and exhaust pipe 242. The pipes 239, 2M having enough flexibility to yield during the movement of the cylinder 233.

aosaosi In operation, when the timer in the cabinet 28f closes the circuit to the magnet 236 of any valve, that magnet is energized, its armature attractcd and shifted, thus closing the exhaust valve 235, and opening the valve 232, so that air passes from the pipe 261, through the valve casing 232, pipe 262, to the cylinder, and slides the cylinder relative to its stationary piston against the action of returning springs 243, corresponding to springs 69, Figure 5. When the circuit 10 is broken by the timer, the spring acting on the valve head 2% reacts and returns the armature to its starting position closing the intake valve 222, and opening the exhaust valve 235, so that the air exhausts from the cylinder 233, through 15 pipe 222, casing 232, and exhaust port 266. The timer is of the construction shown in Figure 2. All mechanism, except the timerv and correlated manuals or push buttons #03, is located on the washer.

In Figure 20, all the mechanism shown in Figure 2, except the washer valve, or control part, operating mechanisms, that is, the cylinder 32 and associated parts, are located in the cabinet. A washer 25E of the type shown in Figure 25 18 is shown, anda cabinet 252 of the type shown in Figure 1. The reference numbers used in Figures 1 and 2 designate corresponding parts in Figure 20.

Various modifications of the formula sheet 30 can be made without departing from the spirit of this invention.

In Figure 22, means is shown for operating the valves, or other control parts of the washer by operating members located adjacent or 35 mounted on the washer, and also connections by which the location and extent of the perforations are indicated while the washer is being operated, or in other words, a graph made on the blank formula sheet of the operation of the w control parts mounted on the washer. Insofar as applicable, the same reference numerals are used in Figure 34, as in Figures 2 and 17.

The control parts of the washer are operated independently of the timer by manuals associated with the washer, and each manual is shown as operating a valve 27E located in a by-pass 273 around the valve E9 of the washer. Each valve 211i is normally closed, and is operated by a manual, here shown as a lever 2'76 connected to W the stem 275 of the movable member of the valve 2' the movable member being normally held in its closed position by suitable means, as a spring 216. Obviously, when any lever 215 is pulled outwardly, the corresponding valve 21! will be opened, and the fluid will flow into the washer around the corresponding tirn'er controlled valve With this construction, the laundryman may watch the operation of the washer and operate 60 the various control parts by means of the levers 214 in accordance with his Judgment, and can signal an attendant at the timer to mark on the blank formula sheet in the timer, the beginning and end of the operations, as the formula sheet passes the particular contact member Id. Or, assuming the push buttons I03 and the parts operated'thereby are omitted, the laundrym'an can stand at the timer, and make the markings and call, or signal to the attendant what handle 214 to operate and when to operate it, and release it. However, means is preferably provided for mak ing a graph of the operation on the blank formula sheet in the timer when each handle 214 is operated, and this means is substantially the same as shown in Figure 17.

In operation, the operator places a blank record sheet on the turntable ii, and upon the operation of any handle 2 operates a companion controlpart or valve iii. A switch 21?? is closed in a high tension line having a transformer T therein, the secondary winding of which is connected in circuit with the contacts it. When to the switch fill is closed, the current passes from the i'eed wire 28, through a wire tit, primary winding 2th or the transformer T, tothe other feed wire 86, and from the secondary winding 2i?! oi the transformer, through wire 28H, switch 271i, wire 2%, to the terminal tilt of the reversing switch 256, thence through the movable switch member 8, through wire 29, to the corresponding contact it, where the current jumps through the b1 formula sheet to the terminal memgo her it, thence, back through the turntable and housings of the motor and reduction gearing and return wire, to the other feed wire 35 which is connected by wire 283 to the other end of the secondary winding. The wiring is laterlal, it beingmerely necessary to cut in the trans former, and any form of wiring may be used to do so.

in the form shown in Figure 22, the push buttons its and their companion switches and wiring is the same as in Figure 2, so that the operator can operate the washer valve 89, as in Figure 2.

Hence, the remote controls for the control parts oi the machine are located adjacent the timer, and remote controls for the formula marking mechanism of the timer are located adjacent the washer. Ubviously, the remote control associated with the timer including the buttons let may also having a wiring and switches similar to that shown in Figure 17, so that the laundry man can control the washer from the timer, but independently of the timer, and make a graph of the formula at the same time, or can operate the washer by means of the handles 2%, and maize a graph of the formula on the blank formula sheet in the timer, the handles 2% being remote controls for the graph mechanism, and located adjacent the washer. When the handles 2'55 are used,

and it is desired to maize a graph of the formula used, the switch 2% must be closed, and the reversing switch 29 l shifted into the position shown in Figures 21 or as, and after the load is washed, and the graph made, the switch 2% must be opened, and the reversing switch 2M shifted back so that it engages the contacts 262.

In any form of this invention, the operation of the washer is controlled by a formula sheet forming part of the timer, and readily interchangeable with other formula sheets, and a formula to suit any new condition can be prepared by inserting a blank formula sheet in the timer, and laying out the perforations or other means on the blank formula sheet while operating the control parts manually through members correlated withv lonlthejiper. The timer will control the operations of the'washer valves, or control parts, to carry out the predetermined operations of the formula sheet.

In the event there is no formula sheet prepared for an odd or exceptional load of laundry, the

, laundryrnan.

The employee, who weighs and sorts the batches of laundry, has sufficient knowledge to determine the formula that should be used for the weight and the class of the load, and either selects the formula sheet at that time placing it with the load, or indicates the formula sheet to be used, and when the load reaches the wash-room, the washman places the formula sheet in the timer, and starts the washing operation. -When the formula is to be made on a blanl; sheet, the wash-room man operates the washer and control part valves by means of the remote controls W3, during the washing operations while making a formula for future use, and can with the form shown inFigure 17, make a graph of the formula on the blank sheet in the timer. Or, in the form shown in Figure 22, he may operate the washer controls directly making a blank formula sheet, either by calling or signalling the operations to an attendant at the timer, so that the attendant can melee the graph on the blank sheet in the timer, or'he can cut in the marker mechanism so that the graph is made automatically, and the graph making mechanism controlled. by remote controls adjacent the washer.

Although I have shown a timer embodying a formula sheet with perforations, nevertheless it is obvious that various changes may be made in the formula sheet, and the means for controlling the operation of the valves, and other parts, and also, means, other than perforations, may be used without departing from the spirit of this invention, an essential feature of which is interchangeable formula sheets for controlling the operation of the controlling members of an apparatus having a series of operations.

Although I have illustrated my timer as applied to laundry washers, obviously it is equally useful in timing the operations in any other situation requiring a series of timed operations.

What I claim is:

it. in a work cycle timer for controlling a series of operations of an apparatus, the combination with a support, the support having means for providing contacts for cooperating with a series of contact fingers, said contact fingers connected respectively in branch electric circuits and when engaged with the contact means of the support closing the respective branch circuits, and means for cheating relative feeding movement of the suport and the fingers; of shunt circuits con nected in the feed and branch circuits around said contacts, each shunt circuit having a normally open manually operable switch therein, there being one shunt circuit for each contact finger.

2. A work cycle timer for controlling the operation of the control parts of an apparatus having a series of operations, said timer including in combination, a series of members, one for each of said parts for efiecting the operation of the control parts, and a member common to all the v means correlated with the series of members, one 

